The deal was reached late Tuesday after the two sides twice extended their previous contract over the weekend.
USW locals representing workers at MNA’s plants in Tuscaloosa and Opelika, Ala., and Ft. Wayne, Ind., must still ratify the deal. No dates for rank-and-file review and votes have been set.
According to USW rules, ratification of the contract requires “a majority of the majority,” meaning that 50% plus one vote overall and two-of-the three locals must vote to accept the tentative agreement for it to become contract.
MNA was targeted by the USW for a pattern agreement it would then take to Goodyear and Bridgestone/Firestone as the basis for master contracts with those two tiremakers. Goodyear and the union have extended their previous contract on a day-to-day basis while negotiations continue. Bridgestone/Firestone and the union could not reach an extension agreement, but workers remain on the job.
"We believe we achieved our industry goals when it comes to protecting retiree health care benefits and securing additional job protection measures for our active members," said USW executive vice president Ron Hoover, in a statement announced the tentative contract.
For its part, MNA said, “The agreement meets the terms the company believes are necessary to retain its competitive posture and to help ensure the viability of the BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing plants going forward.”
The USW previously claimed that MNA was seeking wage and benefit cuts equally $7 per hour, as well as changes to work rules, pension programs, and retiree pension and benefit programs.
